TRINITY – For the first time in almost four years, Trinity County’s unemployment rate dipped below the 7% mark. According to figures posted by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), during November the jobless level fell by half a percentage point to 6.7 percent. When the rate fell to 7.2 percent in October, it marked only the second time during the same four-year period that the local number dipped below 8 percent. The new rate also well below from the 2012 high of 9.3 percent set in January and the 8.8 percent rate recorded for November 2011. The latest number translates to mean that out of an estimated labor force of 5,662 people, there were 381 county residents looking for work during November. In October, the revised 7.2 percent rate meant that out of an estimated labor force of 5,720 there were with 409 people searching for jobs. Statewide, November’s actual unem¬ployment rate of 5.8 percent was down from October’s 6.2 pent and from 7.2 percent jobless figure recorded in November 2011. When seasonal factors are added to the equation, the state’s November adjusted unemployment rate was also listed at 6.2 percent, which was down from October’s 6.6 percent rate. The latest seasonally adjusted rate also was down from the 7.6 percent figure posted in November 2011. The actual national unemploy¬ment rate for November was listed at 7.4 percent, which was down from the 7.5 percent rate posted in October. It also was down from the 8.2 percent rate recorded for November 2011. November’s sea¬sonally adjusted U.S. rate of 7.7 percent was down from the October rate of 7.9 percent and from the November 2011 rate of 8.7 percent. According to TWC officials, Texas employers added 22,100 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in November. “Texas employers have added 278,800 jobs over the past 12 months with growth in 10 of 11 industry sectors during that period,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “TWC is committed to working with our local workforce development boards and other partners to deliver quality workforce solutions that contribute to economic success.” Eight out of 11 major industries in Texas added jobs in November. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities led the way with 20,600 jobs added over the month—the largest monthly jump ever seen in that industry. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities has added a total of 69,600 jobs over the last year. “Texas is showing sustained economic strength, and our unemployment rate is now the lowest that it has been since December 2008,” said TWC Labor Commissioner Ronny Congleton. “For those Texans still looking for work, TWC can help. Visit WorkInTexas.com to find a job that’s right for you.” Leisure and Hospitality employment grew by 6,500 positions in November. This industry has now experienced growth for four consecutive months. Leisure and Hospitality has added 49,900 jobs since November 2011. Education and Health Services added 4,700 jobs over the month, totaling 45,700 jobs added over the year. “Private sector employers continue to lead the way to growth and prosperity in Texas,” said TWC Employer Commissioner Tom Pauken. “We’ve seen 266,400 private sector jobs added in Texas over the past year, and we’re maintaining a 3.0 percent annual growth rate.” From among the 25 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) monitored by TWC, the Midland MSA had the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.0 percent. The Odessa MSA was next at 3.6 percent while the Amarillo MSA was listed at 4.1 percent. The MSA with the highest jobless rate in October was the Brownsville-Harlingen MSA at 9.7 percent, with the McAllen – Edinburg – Mission MSA listed next at 9.6 percent. The Beaumont-Port Arthur MSA was third from the top after recording a rate of 9.2 percent. Unemployment rates posted for other East Texas counties include: NOV. % COUNTY RATE CHANGE Anderson 6.8 -0.5 Angelina 5.9 -0.3 Cherokee 7.0 -0.3 Grimes 5.5 -0.3 Harris 5.8 -0.3 Houston 8.3 -0.5 Jasper 8.8 -0.4 Jefferson 9.5 -0.8 Leon 5.8 -0.1 Liberty 7.2 -0.4 Madison 6.1 -0.3 Montgomery 5.1 -0.5 Nacogdoches 5.4 -0.3 Polk 7.1 -0.4 Sabine 13.8 -0.4 San Augustine 9.3 -0.5 San Jacinto 6.9 -0.3 Shelby 5.9 -0.3 Trinity 6.7 -0.5 Tyler 9.1 -0.5 Walker 6.0 -0.3